Polish parliament passes 2013 budget

Poland's lower house of parliament has approved a 2013 budget that foresees a slightly lower deficit than that expected for this year.

The government budget approved Wednesday envisions a deficit of 35.6 billion zlotys ((EURO)8.7 billion; $11.3 billion). That would be 51.8 percent of GDP, compared to a deficit expected at 52.4 percent of GDP this year.

The 2013 budget expects revenue of around 299.4 billion zlotys ((EURO)73 billion; $95 billion) and spending at no more than 335 billion zlotys.

The bill still faces approval by the Senate and president, but both are expected to accept it.

The government's calculations are based on an expectation of 2.2 percent GDP growth and inflation of 2.7 percent, predictions the government's critics view as overly optimistic.